While Brittain and I seem to frequent Florida on a regular basis, it’s a rare occasion that Dan is ever able to go because of his work schedule. Plus, now that Coleman is here, both of us feel like a vacation with just the four of us is a waste because someone would always have to be in with the baby. Somehow we were able to actually make a plan. Dan had some time off and we were able to coordinate with the Parkers and plan an ACTUAL vacation. But don’t get the wrong idea…this wasn’t your typical vacation going out to eat at nice restaurants, getting massages, and sipping margaritas by the pool. Nope, we loaded up the cars with our own groceries, enough baby supplies to last us a year, and 2 very excited 5 year olds.

At least in my opinion it really was the perfect trip. There were a few points where we actually forgot we had Ava and Brittain. They were like a couple of teenagers who were completely self-sufficient. And even the babies seemed semi low-maintenance with all of us being there. We were able to take turns so Jenny and I got our relaxing beach time and Matt and Dan got their time as well. Then, once all the kids were in bed, the party really got started. And when I say party I’m talking about watching comedy on t.v. and the guys falling asleep on the couch. Talk about some fun times.

If you’re wondering to yourself, “Was it really that perfect?” Well, yes it was, besides the night I decided to teach the girls “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” right before they went to bed and somehow it riled them up to the point that they were jumping back and forth between the two twin beds (and I was allowing it!) and Brittain missed the bed at one point and fell to the floor. Oops…

We took LOTS of pics to document the trip. These are from my camera and the Parker’s so forgive the fact that they’re all mixed up.

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I know it sounds crazy. A “reward” vacation? What does that even mean? This reward vacation was for Brittain. When July rolled around, Brittain had been a big sister for a little over 4 months and as soon as Coleman was born she stepped up to the plate more than I ever expected. There wasn’t a complaint, a “why am I not getting all the attention,” a “why am I not getting ANY of the attention, a “why do you seem to be depressed and in a bad mood, Mommy?” The kid deserved a medal. So, when I was trying to think of the best gift I could give to her there was only one idea tha came to my mind, the gift that she would request…the gift of going to visit her Aunt CC. So, that’s what we did.

Somehow, despite Dan’s insane work schedule, we worked it out to be able to take a girls trip to Jacksonville and leave baby Coleman in the care of his daddy and grandparents. Everyone stepped up to make this trip possible which was awesome. We drove down to Florida and got to spend a few days of constant fun (and constant attention for Brittain). We celebrated her birthday (for the THIRD time) and we were able to get our fill of Aunt CC. Dance parties? Yeah. Birthday parties? Oh yeah. Complete pampering (for Brittain)? Oh HELL yeah. It was one of the best trips ever for such a well-deserving little girl.

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